Introduction
The Women of Heart Awards (WOHA), founded by Dr. Desziree Richardson, is a global initiative dedicated to celebrating women who embody compassion, creativity, leadership, philanthropy, business acumen, intelligence, and humanitarianism. Since its inception in 2020, WOHA has grown into a platform that not only honors remarkable individuals but also inspires, educates, and empowers women and girls worldwide.
In 2021, the organization expanded its mission to include men through the Gentlemen of Heart Awards (GOHA), recognizing those who support and uplift women. This article explores WOHA’s mission, history, impact, and potential future events, including a claimed event for 2025.
Mission and Core Values
WOHA’s mission is to “shine a light on the world’s greatest intelligent and creative minds and compassionate hearts.” The organization is guided by mottos such as “Empowerment, Unity, Diversity, Equality,” which underscore its commitment to fostering positive social change. WOHA serves as a catalyst for inspiration and education, creating a platform that celebrates achievements while driving humanitarian efforts and social entrepreneurship. By recognizing individuals who align with these values, WOHA aims to build a community dedicated to making the world a better place.
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Historical Overview of WOHA Events
WOHA has established a tradition of annual celebration ceremonies, each marking significant milestones in its journey. Below is a detailed account of its event history from 2020 to 2024:
- 2020: WOHA launched its first ceremony, held virtually due to global circumstances, recognizing 15 women who exemplified the organization’s ideals. This event set the foundation for WOHA’s mission to honor compassionate and creative leaders.
- 2021: Continuing in a virtual format, WOHA introduced the Gentlemen of Heart Awards (GOHA), honoring 21 men for their contributions to supporting women. This expansion highlighted WOHA’s inclusive approach to recognition.
- 2022: WOHA transitioned to in-person ceremonies, reflecting its adaptability and growing community. Specific details about the location and honorees are not publicly detailed, but the event continued to build on previous successes.
- 2023: The organization recognized up to 88 women, showcasing its expanding reach and influence. This significant increase in honorees underscored WOHA’s growing impact and engagement.
- 2024: The most recent event, WOHA-London 2024, took place on November 16, 2024, at The Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Paul Godliman Street, London. This one-night celebration honored women’s remarkable achievements and marked the official launch of GOHA, further solidifying WOHA’s commitment to inclusivity.
These events have evolved from virtual to in-person formats, reflecting WOHA’s resilience and growth. The organization’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining its core mission has been a key factor in its success.
Event History Table
The following table summarizes WOHA’s event history based on available information:
Year | Event Type | Location/Details | Honorees/Notes |
| 2020 | Online Ceremony | Virtual | Recognized 15 women |
2021 | Online Ceremony | Virtual | Launched GOHA, recognized 21 men |
| 2022 | In-Person Ceremony | Details not specified | Continued annual celebrations |
2023 | In-Person Ceremony | Details not specified | Recognized up to 88 women |
| 2024 | WOHA-London | The Leonardo Royal Hotel, London, November 16, 2024 | Celebrated women’s achievements, launched GOHA |
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Recognition and Impact
WOHA’s impact is evident in its growing number of honorees and its broader contributions to society. From recognizing 15 women in 2020 to 88 in 2023, WOHA has built a vibrant community of leaders and change-makers. The introduction of GOHA in 2021, which honored 21 men in its first year and 45 in 2022, reflects the organization’s inclusive approach to advancing gender equality and empowerment.
Beyond awards, WOHA supports humanitarian efforts and social entrepreneurship, aligning with its mission to support those in need. The organization’s events serve as platforms for networking, inspiration, and collaboration, fostering a global community dedicated to positive change. WOHA’s recognition of individuals like Dame Shanida Wray and Naomi Wray as “The Family of Inspiration Honour” recipients in 2024 highlights its commitment to celebrating role models who inspire future generations.
Potential 2025 Event
As of June 19, 2025, no official announcement has been made on the WOHA website (Women of Heart Awards) or other public sources regarding a 2025 event. However, there is a claim of an event titled “WOMEN OF HEART AWARDS (WOHA) LONDON” scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025, described as a “Celebration of Women’s Work Worldwide.” This date aligns with WOHA’s historical pattern of hosting events in November, suggesting a potential continuation of their tradition.
Despite this claim, extensive searches, including reviews of the WOHA website, web searches for “Women of Heart Awards 2025,” and X posts, have yielded no confirmation of this event. Related awards, such as the Heart of Women Awards (scheduled for March 8, 2025, on the Gold Coast) and the Wenger Awards 2025, are distinct from WOHA and organized by different entities. The absence of public information about a 2025 WOHA event could indicate that planning is in early stages, or the announcement is forthcoming. Given WOHA’s consistent history of annual events, it seems likely that an event may be planned for 2025, but official confirmation is needed.
Interested individuals can monitor the WOHA website or contact the organization directly at womenofheartawards@gmail.com or info@womenofheartawards.com for updates on nominations, sponsorships, or event details.
How to Engage with WOHA
WOHA actively encourages participation through nominations and sponsorships. The organization provides contact emails for those interested in contributing to or learning more about their initiatives. By engaging with WOHA, individuals and organizations can support its mission to empower women and girls, recognize compassionate leaders, and drive humanitarian efforts.
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Conclusion
The Women of Heart Awards (WOHA) is a powerful force for recognition and empowerment, celebrating the achievements of women and men who make a difference in the world. With a strong foundation built on compassion, creativity, and leadership, WOHA continues to inspire and uplift, fostering a global community dedicated to positive change.
While details about a potential 2025 event remain unconfirmed as of June 19, 2025, WOHA’s track record suggests that future announcements may be forthcoming. As WOHA continues to grow, it remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
